COVID-۱۹ Preventive Behaviors and Related Beliefs Among Diabetics: The Use of Protection Motivation Theory

Background: Recent data from coronavirus disease ۲۰۱۹ (COVID-۱۹) confirm that diabetes, along with advanced age, is an important risk factor for adverse prognosis. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the status of COVID-۱۹ prevention behaviors and related beliefs among diabetic patients in Hamadan province using protection motivation theory (PMT). Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted from April to September ۲۰۲۰. The research population included all diabetics, of whom ۳۵۵ patients, who referred to an adult endocrinologist in Hamadan, were selected using the convenience sampling method. The data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire with demographic variables and PMT constructs. Data were analyzed by SPSS ۲۲ using descriptive statistics, correlation, and logistic regression. Results: According to the result, the PMT construct explained ۱۵% of the variance in the frequency of the intention to perform preventive behaviors. Perceived sensitivity (β = -۰.۱۲۸), perceived response efficiency (β = ۰.۱۴۰), and perceived response cost (β = ۰.۳۸۶) were the best significant predictors of behavior (P < ۰.۰۵). There was a significant relationship between gender (P < ۰.۰۰۱), marital status (P < ۰.۰۰۱), and level of education (P = ۰.۰۴۰) in observing preventive behaviors. Conclusion: It is necessary to enhance the levels of awareness and self-efficacy of diabetic patients to reduce fear in this at-risk group. Further, it is appropriate to use PMT to promote preventive behaviors.